The New Zealand Warriors have announced the re-signing of forward Tanner Stowers-Smith, keeping him in Auckland until the end of the 2030 season.
Stowers-Smith only recently extended with the club in June last year on a three-year deal, but his rapid rise as a star middle has earned him an extra couple of years at the Warriors.
The Christchurch native made his NRL debut in Round 11 last year against the Dolphins and has progressed into an important piece of the Warriors forward rotation, coming off the bench in 2026 to continue applying the punch.
He made 13 appearances in his rookie year, and will make his 19th of season 2026 against Manly for their final game of the regular season.
Coach Andrew Webster has been thrilled with Stowers-Smith's development as a young middle.
“Once Tanner adjusted to being a first grader, you wouldn't get a more professional, hard-working player,” Webster said in a Warriors statement.
“He's got a big motor and he just wants to learn and be the best.
“He's going to be a wonderful asset for our club for years to come. We all love him.”
The 22-year-old has progressed through the Warriors pathways, which has unearthed the likes of Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Ali Leiataua and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, who are all making shockwaves in the NRL.
In Stowers-Smith's 18 appearances this year, he has recorded 37 tackle breaks while averaging 122 metres, doing so mainly off the bench, with 15 matches off the interchange and three starts.
The Warriors have locked up a top two finish to end the regular season, and can claim the minor premiership with a big win over Manly, with only one point on differentials separating them from equal-placed Panthers.
The club is in the box seat to host two finals matches in Auckland if results go their way, before they would have to travel to Sydney for the big dance.
In the meantime, they will face the Sea Eagles on Saturday afternoon at Go Media Stadium.
